FISHING
THE CAT’S MEOW PLUNKING BAIT FOR WHISKERFISH IS ONE OF SUMMER’S REAL PLEASURES By Chris Cocoles
A
s someone whose fishing passion has always been of the fairly simple, straightforward variety, some of my best memories as an angler include lazy – albeit hot – summer days and nights dunking stinky baits, dead little fish and worms. From a young age, I was always fascinated by catfish – from the obvious facial characteristics of these whiskered beasts, to the tales of fishermen getting stung by cats’ poisonous barbs, and those who swore that these ugly bottom dwellers offered some of the best table fare fillets around. As I was thinking about heading out for another catfish recon assignment sometime in the next couple months, the nostalgic sap in me recalled some of my favorite cat moments of past years.
CLEARLY THE BEST For all the storied accolades Clear Lake gets for its bass fishery, the state’s largest freshwater body (at least among ones completely located within California’s border) will always be treasured for its catfish population. My best catfishing stories have always taken place in Lake County. My first ever fish was a fat channel cat I caught at a family friend’s lakefront home near Lakeport, where we visited every year. During those days all I did was fish – from the moment I got up until my dad dragged me to bed while the adults enjoyed their cocktails in the house and I kept checking my bait in the dark. I caught a few more cats
Summer means catfishing on California’s waters. Anglers looking for a relatively simple fishery and easy-going days and nights can enjoy some great outings and memories. (JERRY HAN)
calsportsmanmag.com | AUGUST 2021 California Sportsman
43
